Leaked photos of the new Volvo V90 station wagon show it is more streamlined than the boxy V70 it replaces – but pictures are all New Zealanders might get to see of it. The Volvo people here are undecided about bringing in a premium station wagon in a world of premium SUVs, including Volvo’s own XC90. “We’re not too sure,” said Motorcorp Distributors general manager … [Read more...] about Plush Volvo V90 station wagon unlikely in NZ world of SUVs
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NZ car dealers likely to use Australia’s new parallel import laws
The Australian government’s approval of parallel imports from 2018 will allow New Zealand dealers to export new and near-new cars across the Tasman, says an industry executive. “Yes, that could happen,” he said. “The Tasman is an expensive stretch of water to ship stuff and new cars in New Zealand are on the whole dearer than Australia, but there will no doubt be … [Read more...] about NZ car dealers likely to use Australia’s new parallel import laws
Ford’s final fling – 150 go-faster Falcon Sprint models for NZ
Ford is giving its New Zealand customers going-away presents in the form of limited-edition XR6 and XR8 Falcon Sprint sedans. Ford Australia will build 1400, a final Falcon fling before its Melbourne factory shuts its doors for the last time next year. The company will thereafter rebadge vehicles from Ford plants overseas. New Zealand will get 150 Sprint models – 50 XR6s … [Read more...] about Ford’s final fling – 150 go-faster Falcon Sprint models for NZ
Porsche Panamera wagon to rival Mercedes-Benz ‘shooting brake’
Porsche first pointed to another type of Panamera when it unveiled the Sport Turismo concept at the 2012 Paris motor show – now here’s the real thing. It’s a ‘shooting brake’ that looks pretty much like the Paris show car, although the camouflage on the prototype hides final details. It is pictured at the bottom of this page in front of the second-generation saloon, said … [Read more...] about Porsche Panamera wagon to rival Mercedes-Benz ‘shooting brake’
Toyota adds to petrol-electric fleet with new Corolla variant
“Petrol-electric hybrids are the key to fuel efficiency and planet-saving low emissions for the next 25 years … the relative inefficiency of a standard fossil fuel-engined car means that only 14 per cent of the oil's original energy is applied at the wheels. Twelve per cent of its energy value is lost in getting from the oil well through the refining and distribution system to … [Read more...] about Toyota adds to petrol-electric fleet with new Corolla variant